Media

Andrews Government insists Parliament must sit on Remembrance Day

23 October 2015

Daniel Andrews city-centric Labor Government is at it again, this time amending Remembrance Day sitting hours for Parliament to suit city MPs while discriminating against country MPs.

Leader of The Nationals and Member for Murray Plains said it was very disappointing that the Melbourne Labor Government had not followed the leadership set by the previous Liberal-Nationals Coalition Government which ensured Parliament never sat on Remembrance Day.

“Not only was this a mark of respect, but it also allowed all Members of Parliament, country or city, to attend local services and lay wreaths,” Mr Walsh said.

“November 11 is the anniversary of the Armistice that ended the First World War. In later years this day took on even greater significance as a day to pay respect to all those who have served in wars, and particularly to those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

“Victoria’s country communities have made immense contributions to war efforts for more than a century, and suffered hardships and tragedy because of those contributions.”

Victoria’s Parliament will convene at 2pm on Remembrance Day, meaning city MPs will be able to attend local services and return to Spring Street, while country MPs will struggle.

“This later start might be fine for Labor’s city MPs but it discriminates against any MP who lives more than two hours drive from the Melbourne CBD – which is nearly all of us, Mr Walsh said.

“As usual, the city-centric Premier is focused on Melbourne and has forgotten that country Victoria exists.”